The Justice Department announced that the Colorado Judiciary has taken steps to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the state court system.
In July 2023, the department's Civil Rights Division engaged with the Colorado Judiciary after receiving complaints about inadequate language services for LEP individuals, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance.
The Colorado Judiciary responded to the inquiry by identifying proactive steps already taken and collaborating with the division to enhance its language access program further.
"Providing accurate and timely interpreter services in and outside of the courtroom is paramount to ensuring that all court users are provided equal access to justice," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The actions taken by the Colorado Judiciary stand as a model and show a true commitment to building a strong language access program."
Since then, several improvements have been made: hiring a new language access coordinator, revising financial policies related to language access, creating a new scheduling system for interpreters, purchasing new interpretation equipment such as headsets and iPads, training court staff and interpreters, among other key improvements.
The department will continue monitoring these changes' implementation and welcomes public feedback. Complaints about discriminatory practices can be reported through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov.
More information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt. Information about limited English proficiency and Title VI can be found at www.lep.gov, with specific details for courts at www.lep.gov/state-courts.